A flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was saved from disaster after passengers and crew members intervened when one pilot allegedly attacked his colleague and appeared to try to crash the plane.
Pilot Opens Cockpit Door Despite Injuries
Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot from Mumbai, was lying on the cockpit floor and covered in blood after being stabbed by his fellow pilot, reportedly an Omani national. Despite his serious injuries, Machchhar managed to reach the door release and open the cockpit, allowing passengers and crew members to enter.
The Flydubai Flight attackers’ actions had sent the aircraft plunging nearly 14,000ft (4,300 metres) in less than 30 seconds. Once inside the cockpit, several passengers helped overpower the attacker and regain control of the aircraft.
The plane, carrying 174 passengers, was eventually diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Machchhar was taken to hospital for treatment.
Passengers Join Fight to Save the Plane
Among those who helped was Yaniv Hayoun, whom Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later described as a plumber. Hayoun said the situation was made more difficult because Machchhar, who had been stabbed, was trapped on the other side of the cockpit door.
After entering the cockpit, Hayoun said he briefly took hold of the aircraft’s controls while others struggled with the attacker. He recalled grabbing the controls and pulling back the handles, based on what he had seen on television, before other crew members took over.
A dentist was also among those credited with helping during the emergency, highlighting how ordinary passengers played a crucial role alongside the flight crew.
Leaders Praise the Crew and Passengers
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for his courage and determination to protect those onboard despite being seriously injured. He said the pilot’s actions helped save hundreds of lives and prevent a major tragedy.
Netanyahu also praised Machchhar, saying the injured pilot fought back, opened the cockpit door and gave passengers and crew the opportunity to overpower the attacker.
The incident has drawn attention to the actions of Machchhar, Hayoun and other passengers and crew members who helped regain control of the aircraft during one of the flight’s most dangerous moments.
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